It’s a tiny speck. If you look at a map of the Bahamas, San Salvador is that lonely dot sitting way out east, exposed to the full weight of the Atlantic. This isn't Nassau. There are no cruise ship crowds, no towering water parks, and definitely no "senior frog" energy. It’s quiet. Honestly, it’s probably one of the most underrated spots in the Caribbean if you’re actually looking to disconnect. Club Med Columbus Isle sits on this island like a colorful, colonial-style outpost, and for a lot of people, it’s the only reason they ever learn this island exists.
People get confused about the Bahamas. They think it’s all one big resort chain. It isn’t. San Salvador is rugged. It’s where Christopher Columbus allegedly first made landfall in the New World in 1492—hence the resort's name—and while the history is debated by scholars like those at the College of the Bahamas, the isolation of the beach is a total fact.
If you’re headed to San Salvador Bahamas Club Med, you aren't just booking a room. You’re committing to a specific kind of vibe that is becoming increasingly rare in the travel world. It’s the "upscale-but-don't-wear-shoes" vibe.
The Reality of Getting to Columbus Isle
Let’s be real: getting here is half the battle.
Most travelers end up on a chartered flight. If you're coming from the U.S., you might find yourself on a smaller plane departing from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. There are also direct flights from Paris for the European crowd, which gives the resort a weirdly charming, bilingual atmosphere. You’ll hear French, Italian, and English all mixed together at the bar. It’s a bit surreal to be in the middle of the Caribbean hearing someone complain about the quality of the brie in perfect Parisian French.
The airport on San Salvador (ZSA) is basically a room. You walk off the plane, and within ten minutes, you’re at the resort. There is no long shuttle ride. No traffic. Just the smell of salt air and the realization that you are very, very far away from your inbox.
Why the Diving is the Real Star
Most people come here for the scuba diving. If you don't dive, you're missing about 70% of what makes this place special.
The reef system around San Salvador is vertical. We’re talking about massive walls that drop off into the abyss. Because the island is so isolated, the water clarity is often ridiculous—sometimes exceeding 100 feet of visibility. You’ll see hammerheads if you’re lucky, especially in the winter months. Only Divers and seasoned pros often rank this as the best diving in the Bahamas because the coral is still relatively healthy compared to the high-traffic areas near New Providence.
Not a diver?
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You can snorkel, sure. The water is that classic, neon turquoise that looks like it’s been Photoshopped. But honestly, if you aren't interested in the ocean, San Salvador might feel a little too quiet. There isn't a town to go explore for shopping. There are no malls. There is just the resort, the sand, and the sea.
The Room Situation and the "Village" Feel
Club Med calls their resorts "villages." It sounds a bit culty, but it actually describes the layout well. At Columbus Isle, the buildings are these brightly colored, two-story structures. They’ve got a colonial, slightly weathered look that fits the island.
- Bungalows: They are clustered together.
- Views: Most have a garden or sea view.
- The Vibe: It’s not "ultra-luxury" in the way a Four Seasons is. It’s comfortable. It’s clean. But you’re here for the beach, not the Egyptian cotton thread count.
One thing to note—this resort is often designated as an "Adults-Only" or "Refined" stay, though policies can shift seasonally. Generally, it’s way quieter than the family-oriented Club Meds in Florida or Mexico. You won’t have kids screaming in the buffet line, which, let's be honest, is a huge plus for a lot of us.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Food
"It’s an all-inclusive, so the food must be mid."
I hear this all the time. But Club Med has this weird obsession with bread. They fly in frozen dough from France and bake it on-site. The white chocolate bread is a legitimate cult classic among regulars. If you see people hoarding small rolls at breakfast, that’s why.
The main restaurant, Christopher’s, is buffet-style, but it’s high-quality. They do a lot of fresh fish—grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi—often caught locally. Then there's the specialty restaurant, La Pinta. It’s more of a lounge/beach club vibe. You need a reservation, and it’s where you go when you want to feel a bit fancier.
Is it Michelin-star? No. Is it better than 90% of the all-inclusive buffets in the Caribbean? Yeah, probably. The French influence is heavy, so expect a lot of cheese, pastries, and decent wine that actually comes in a bottle rather than a tap.
San Salvador Bahamas Club Med: The Solo Traveler’s Secret
Traveling alone can suck. Most resorts charge a "single supplement" that feels like a tax on being lonely. Club Med is one of the few places that actually caters to solo travelers.
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They have "community tables" in the dining hall. It sounds cheesy, but it works. You sit down, you meet a diver from Quebec, a lawyer from New York, and a kite-surfer from Germany. By day three, you have a squad. If you want to be left alone, you can be. But if you're worried about feeling awkward eating dinner solo, this is one of the safest bets in the travel industry.
The Wind and the Weather
Because San Salvador is an "out island," it’s exposed.
This means it can get windy. Great for sailors and kite-surfers. Not always great if you want the ocean to be a sheet of glass every single day. If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that the Atlantic side of the island can get some chop. However, the resort is situated on Bonefish Bay, which is somewhat protected. The sand here is incredibly fine—like flour.
Beyond the Resort Walls
You can actually leave. I know, shocking for an all-inclusive.
You can rent a bike or take a taxi to see the Dixon Hill Lighthouse. It’s one of the last hand-operated kerosene lighthouses in the world. Built in 1887, it’s still maintained by keepers who have to wind the mechanism every few hours. It’s a steep climb, but the view from the top gives you a 360-degree look at the island. You realize just how small San Salvador really is.
There’s also the Landfall Park, where a cross marks the spot where Columbus allegedly landed. It’s a quiet, reflective place. Even if you aren't a history buff, the beach there is stunning and usually completely empty.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Club Med isn't cheap. You’re paying for the convenience of never pulling out your wallet. You’re paying for the specialized sports instruction—the tennis, the sailing, the fitness classes.
If you just want to sit by a pool and drink cheap margaritas, you can do that for half the price in Punta Cana. You go to San Salvador Bahamas Club Med because you want the specific combination of French flair and Bahamian isolation. You go because you want to dive some of the best walls in the Western Hemisphere. You go because you want a beach that doesn't have a thousand chairs crammed onto it.
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Actionable Takeaways for Your Trip
If you’re actually going to pull the trigger on a trip to Columbus Isle, don’t just wing it. This island is remote, and if you forget something, you aren't finding it at a local CVS.
1. Pack your own snorkel gear. Even though the resort provides it, having a mask that actually fits your face makes a world of difference when the water is this clear. Plus, you can walk out into the bay whenever you want without waiting for the boat.
2. Check the flight schedule before booking the room.
Don't book your stay and then try to find a flight. Often, the charter flights only run on specific days (like Saturdays). Use the Club Med website to bundle the flight and room—it’s usually cheaper and way less of a headache than trying to coordinate a puddle-jumper yourself.
3. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
The Bahamas is getting stricter about this, and for good reason. The coral is the island's biggest asset. Look for brands without oxybenzone.
4. Download your entertainment. The Wi-Fi at Columbus Isle is... okay. It’s fine for emails, but don’t expect to stream 4K movies during a tropical thunderstorm. Download your podcasts and books before you leave home.
5. Get the insurance. Because you’re relying on small planes and a remote island, weather delays can happen. It’s the Caribbean. Hurricanes are a thing from June to November. A little travel insurance goes a long way for peace of mind.
San Salvador is a place that stays with you. It’s not the flashy, neon-lit version of the Bahamas that you see in movies. It’s a slow-paced, salt-crusted, deeply blue experience. If you’re looking to disappear for a week and come back with a tan and a clear head, it’s hard to beat.